LaFayette Leader Spring 2026

LaFayette Leader Spring 2026 - Cover and Online Link

LaFayette Leader Spring 2026 Newsletter Link

LaFayette Leader Spring 2026 - Text Only Version

LaFayette Leader

LaFayette Housing Authority | Spring 2026
auburnhousingauth.org

From the CEO

Sharon N. Tolbert

Welcome to the Spring 2026 edition of the LaFayette Leader. Spring is a time of growth and new beginnings. It's a time to reflect on our recent achievements and to look forward to the new opportunities ahead.

I want to recognize our team for achieving several departmental milestones, including implementing the modernization program, enhancing HCV quality controls, achieving high maintenance work order completion rates, turning vacant units timely, and more.

During the Spring, our team will continue to implement high priority goals and objectives, including maintaining occupancy and work order completion rates, implementing electronic workflows, resident programs, and more.

As always, I want to thank the Board for entrusting me with the continued role of CEO of the LaFayette Housing Authority. Thank you to our community partners for your contributions as we strive to provide valuable services and resources to our families.

I hope you find the Spring 2026 LaFayette Leader edition a useful tool for communicating upcoming news, events, and more. For more information, please visit our website at www.auburnhousingauth.org and sign up for "News and More" to receive email and text notifications. Also, be sure to connect with us on social media.

As we end the Winter season and start Spring, make sure to slow down and smell the roses. As always, please take care of yourself and each other.

Bountiful Blessings,
Sharon N. Tolbert

Management Agent for LaFayette & Roanoke Housing Authority
Auburn Housing Authority Affiliates: AHA Development LLC & Auburn Community Development Corp.

Board Updates

The Board approved the FYB2025 Audit Report, Tenant Write-Offs, and other action items.

Commissioners Nolan Torbert and Barbara Leverett attended the 2026 Commissioners Conference in Tampa, FL, in January 2026.

Commissioners Rene Waldrop, Marguerite White, and Barbara Leverett attended the NAHRO 2026 Washington Conference in Washington, DC, in March 2026. All attended various sessions and other events.

Thank you, Commissioners, for taking time out of your busy schedule to attend the conference.

LHA Board Meeting

Date: June 17, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM CST
Location: LHA Administrative Office
301 First Avenue, LaFayette, AL 36862

Special meetings may be held for time sensitive action items. Date, time, and location are subject to change.

Commissioner's Corner

The LaFayette Housing Authority is governed by a five member Board of Commissioners appointed by the Mayor of the City of LaFayette. One member must be a resident of an LHA property or program.

The Commissioners oversee fiscal management and approve policies.

Board meetings are held at noon on the third Wednesday in March, June, September, and December. Dates are subject to change.

Board Members

Barbara Leverett, Chairperson
Peggy King, Vice Chairperson
Mary Owens-Lyerly, Commissioner
Elton Holloway, Commissioner
Martha Holloway, Resident Commissioner

Human Resources & News

We are proud to recognize our maintenance and modernization team for their dedication and hard work in keeping our properties clean, groomed, and presentable for residents and visitors.

Their consistent efforts play a key role in maintaining the overall appearance and quality of our communities.

Thank you for your attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to creating spaces our residents can take pride in. Your work does not go unnoticed and is truly appreciated.

New Team Members

Lane Grimes, Maintenance Mechanic
Keara Ricks, Property Manager

Work Anniversaries

Demetrius Parham, 1 year Anniversary, Jan 6
Angel Long, 2 year Anniversary, Feb 5
Jefferson Whaley, 2 year Anniversary, Feb 19
Charlotte Bowen, 1 year Anniversary, March 10

Birthdays

Beth Redding, Jan 6
Dominique Moore, Feb 3
Lane Grimes, Feb 28
Angel Long, March 9
Todd James, March 14

Community Highlight

Our Bunny Hunt at Drake Community brought everyone together for a fun afternoon. Kids were all over the green space searching for eggs, and you could hear the excitement and laughter throughout the community.

Employee Spotlight

Justin Rowell - Maintenance Technician

Justin has been employed with AHA since 2022. Justin serves as our Maintenance Technician II where he performs a vast array of semi-routine and general maintenance duties for the AHA and its managed agencies.

Justin is skilled in HVAC repair, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, masonry, and painting. Justin also performs general repairs on maintenance equipment as needed.

Justin, thank you for all you do. We appreciate your contributions, and we are glad you are here.

Finance / Accounts Payable

In an effort to increase efficiency and reduce processing time, AHA is converting to an online system for all finance department programs.

Accounts Payable payments will be processed through ACH transfers. Vendors will be notified and provided instructions on how to receive payments electronically.

Vendors may also submit invoices electronically to accountspayable@auburnhousingauth.org.

Future plans include a vendor portal for submitting invoices, checking payment status, and downloading 1099s.

Procurement

AHA is currently processing bids for roofing services and preparing a bid for FSS Coordinator Services.

Upcoming procurements may include:

Fee Accounting Services

Auditing Services

Lawn Maintenance

Plumbing

Tree Removal

Vendors should register through the e-procurement marketplace to receive notifications.

Landlord Corner

Auburn Housing Authority would like to say Thank You to all of our landlords. Landlords provide housing opportunities to our Tenant Based Voucher (TBV) program participants. Without our landlords' commitment and partnership, AHA would not be able to provide many of the services we offer.

Address Change

If you move, remember to report your new address to our office in writing. Also report anticipated changes of ownership as soon as possible. You must advise us before you sell the property rented to a voucher holder. There is paperwork that must be done to adjust ownership and rental assistance.

Report Changes

Participants of the HCV Program are required to submit all changes in writing within 10 calendar days. These changes may include loss of employment, new employment, updated phone numbers and emails and change in student status. Landlords who are aware of an unauthorized individual residing in the home should contact the HCVP Department immediately. Updating household information is vital to keeping your HCVP participation in good standing. The voucher size is based on household composition. Families receive deductions for dependents. It is very important to keep this updated.

Lease Renewal

Landlords: If you are entering into a new lease at the annual renewal, you must provide a copy of the new proposed lease prior to the tenant signing the lease. If you have questions about the program, don't guess. Please call the Housing Choice Voucher Office Program (HCVP) at (334) 821-2262 ext. 217. Thank you for partnering with Auburn Housing Authority (AHA) to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing for low income families.

Housing Preferences

The HCVP offers housing preferences for homeless families and domestic violence victims. If you're receiving assistance from a homeless shelter or are a victim of domestic violence, you may qualify for additional points. The agency assisting you can provide a letter on their letterhead confirming your need, which must be faxed, mailed, or hand delivered to the HCVP office.

Safe Communities

Do you know what to do if you suspect fraud or criminal activity occurring at an HCVP assisted home? You can do your part to help keep your community safe by using the link below to report fraudulent or criminal activity.
www.auburnhousingauth.org/contact

New HCV Properties Added to Website!

Our New Landlord Portal Has Launched

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program has launched a new online portal for owners and agents participating in the program. Through the portal, landlords can:

View tenant listings, property details, and inspection schedules.

Access inspection results, payment history, and 1099 forms.

Submit documents like leases, RFTA forms, and rent change requests securely online.

The portal aims to streamline communication and improve access to key information. For questions or more details, contact the HCV Department at (334) 821-2262, extension 217.

Available Landlord Incentives

New Landlord Signing Bonus: Landlords can earn up to $500 for signing a contract on a new property added to the HCV Program.

New Landlord Referral Bonus: Agencies that refer a new landlord, resulting in a new property being added to the HCV program, are eligible to earn up to $500 for a referral fee.

Vacancy Payments: Landlords can earn up to 1 month's rent for vacancies occurring between HCV tenants.

Damage Claim Payments: When an assisted unit is vacated and sustains tenant related damages and an assisted family moves into the unit, the landlord may be eligible for up to 1 month's rent for damages.

Partnering with Auburn Housing Authority has its benefits. The Landlord Incentive Program for all HCV Landlords are now available.

If you would like to receive more information related to the HCV Landlord Incentive Program, you can contact Todd James at tjames@auburnhousingauth.org.

Scan the QR Code to get started.
Or visit auburnhousingauth.org/landlord-portal

HCV Programs

Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)

The VASH program combines HUD's Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA provides these services for participating Veterans at VA medical centers (VAMCs), community based outreach clinics (CBOCs), through VA contractors, or through other VA designated entities. If you are a Veteran and wish to utilize the VASH voucher, please contact the Central Alabama Health Care System (CAVHCS) at 334-727-0550 or 800-214-8387.

Mainstream Vouchers

Mainstream Vouchers assist households that include a nonelderly person(s) with a disability. This is defined as any family that includes a person with a disability who is at least 18 years old and not yet 62 years old at the effective date of the initial Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract. Aside from serving a special population, Mainstream Vouchers are administered using the same rules as other Housing Choice Vouchers. Currently, AHA's Mainstream Voucher waiting list is closed. AHA will provide notice through a variety of media outlets when it reopens.

Foster Youth to Independence Initiative (FYI)

HUD's FYI targets housing assistance to young people aging out of foster care and who are at extreme risk of experiencing homelessness. The initiative offers housing vouchers to local public housing authorities to prevent or end homelessness among young adults under the age of 25 who are, or have recently left, the foster care system without a home to go to. Eligible applicants must be referred to AHA by the Alabama Department of Human Resources. If you are a foster youth who is about to age out of foster care and wish to utilize the FYI voucher, please contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources at (334) 242-1310.

Tenant Based Vouchers (TBV)

Auburn Housing Authority's (AHA) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Tenant Based Voucher (TBV) Program allows low income families to rent quality housing in the private market via federal funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Through the HCV Program, AHA pays a portion of eligible families' rent each month directly to the property owner. Families can use their vouchers to rent a house or apartment in the private market throughout Lee County, with the exception of the city limits of Opelika, AL.

Because there are more families who need rental assistance than there are funds available, AHA uses a waiting list to administer the program to eligible families.

Applicant families must meet the following eligibility requirements to qualify for the HCV Program:

Meet HUD's definition of family

Meet income limits specified by HUD

Qualify on the basis of citizenship or eligible immigrant status

Provide Social Security number

Sign required consent forms

Pass screening process

Currently, AHA's tenant based voucher waiting list is closed. AHA will provide notice through a variety of media outlets when it reopens. To learn more contact Esmerelda Smith at 334-821-2262 ext. 224 or by e-mail at esmith@auburnhousingauth.org.

Project Based Vouchers (PBV)

PBV is similar to TBV. However, the differences between the two are that PBV assistance is tied to the unit, and once HCV determines eligibility, the applicant is referred to the PBV landlord to determine if the applicant is suitable for tenancy. The waitlist is currently open for bedroom sizes 3-5.

Homeownership Program

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Homeownership Program allows families that are assisted under the Tenant Based Voucher (TBV) program to use their voucher to buy a home and receive monthly assistance in meeting homeownership expenses.

The HCV Homeownership Program is available only to families that have been admitted to the TBV program. To participate in the HCV Homeownership Program, the HCV family must meet specific income and employment requirements (the employment requirement does not apply to elderly and disabled families), be a first time homeowner as defined in the regulation, attend and satisfactorily complete the pre assistance homeownership and housing counseling program required by AHA, and meet any additional eligibility requirements set by the AHA. If you are a current TBV participant and wish to utilize the homeownership program, please contact your caseworker.

Esmerelda Smith, HCV Caseworker TBV
Ph.: (334) 821-2262 ext. 224
Email: esmith@auburnhousingauth.org

Rachel Harris, FSS Coordinator
Ph.: (334) 821-2262 ext. 259
Email: rharris@auburnhousingauth.org

Upcoming Changes to the Emergency Housing Voucher Program

We are writing to provide an important update regarding the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program. Due to rising rental costs and the lack of additional federal funding, this program is currently projected to operate only until the end of 2026. We understand this news may be concerning.

Please be aware that no additional funding is currently expected to extend the program past this date. This will impact our ability to continue providing rental assistance through the EHV program. We understand that changes to the EHV program and your housing assistance are a source of concern.

The Auburn Housing Authority is fully committed to assisting your family throughout this process. We will share information in the upcoming weeks as it becomes available and will provide details and next steps. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any immediate questions.

Charlotte Bowen, HCV Manager
(334) 821-2262 ext. 221
cbowen@auburnhousingauth.org

Family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS)

Looking for ways to build a stronger financial future for you and your family? The Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program at the Auburn Housing Authority is here to help residents reach their goals and create new opportunities.

The FSS Program is more than just a program. It's a partnership. Participants work with an FSS Coordinator to set goals, overcome barriers, and celebrate achievements along the way.

Program Benefits Include

Personalized goal planning with the FSS Coordinator

Connections to valuable community resources

The opportunity to build savings through the FSS Escrow Account

Interested in joining the FSS Program? Contact FSS Coordinator Rachel Harris at rharris@auburnhousingauth.org or 334-728-4690 for more information.

NAHRO Washington Conference 2026

Commissioners Rene Waldrop and Marguerite White of Auburn Housing Authority, along with Commissioner Barbara Leverett of LaFayette Housing Authority, attended the 2026 NAHRO Washington Conference in Washington, D.C.

While there, they participated in legislative briefings and met with leaders on Capitol Hill to advocate for housing programs and the families we serve. They also connected with housing professionals from across the country and gained valuable insight into emerging policies and best practices.

Opportunities like this help ensure our agencies stay informed and ready to support our communities.

Free Wi-Fi

All LHA communities now have free Wi-Fi available in every unit. Spectrum has provided instructions to all residents on how to connect.

Resident Corner

The LaFayette Housing Authority's (LHA) mission is to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing for families. The LHA's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is funded by the federal government and LHA must comply with the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) regulations and LHA's internal policies and procedures. LHA encourages families to comply with the following requirements to maintain their housing assistance.

a. Comply with your annual recertification requirements and submit the requested information by the deadline.
b. Report all changes in income and household composition.
c. Comply with your landlord's dwelling lease.
d. Comply with all written requests that are submitted by the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Department and forward the requested information by the deadline.

Not complying with the requirements above may result in the termination of your assistance or eviction. The list above is not all inclusive.

If you have questions about your HCV assistance, please contact the HCV Department at (334) 821-2262, option 5.

Tenants are encouraged to frequently visit the office to stay informed about updates to the ban list.

All locations stop taking rent at 4:30 p.m. on the last business day of each month.

Residents are encouraged to obtain rental insurance. Rental insurance helps to protect your belongings after a covered loss.

Smoking is NOT permitted inside the unit. See the Smoke Free Policy that's included as an addendum to your lease for more information.

April Financial Literacy Tips

Take a look at where your money is going. Identify one or two areas where you can cut back and redirect those dollars toward savings or essentials.

Even saving a small amount each month adds up. Aim to set aside money for unexpected expenses like car repairs or medical bills.

Make sure you know when everything is due and set reminders if needed. Paying on time helps you avoid late fees and keeps your finances on track.

HCV Notice

Converting to an Online System

Auburn Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program is converting to an online format for all applications and recertifications. All future applications and recertifications must be completed using the new online portal for HCV.

The online portal will allow applicants and participants to enter their current information online and upload any documents needed directly through the portal. In addition, once HCV staff has completed processing the application or recertification, all required documents can be sent for signature and returned by email.

The conversion to the online format will allow faster processing time and eliminate the need to schedule appointments for applicants or participants to meet with their case managers. We are attempting to streamline the online process to make things easier for our families and to provide the best service with quick response times.

Applicant Information

Once your application has been received and accepted by HCV, applicants will need to register for an online applicant account which will enable applicants to update their information and check their current status on the waiting list.

To register for an online applicant account, applicants will access the online portal through the following links, depending on which Voucher Type the applicant applied for:

Tenant Based Vouchers:
https://apps.auburnhousingauth.org/UserCreateAcct.aspx

Project Based Vouchers located in Auburn:
https://apps.auburnhousingauth.org/UserCreateAcct.aspx

Project Based Vouchers located in LaFayette:
https://lha.auburnhousingauth.org/UserCreateAcct.aspx

After accessing the online portal at the correct link above, select "APPLICANT" as the Registrant type and complete the requested information to create the online account.

Once the online applicant account is created, applicants will need to make sure they update their contact information through the portal to ensure they are notified once their application is selected for processing.

In addition, the online portal will enable applicants to securely upload all required documentation and forms.

If you or anyone in your family is a person with disabilities or requires a reasonable accommodation to fully utilize Auburn Housing Authority's programs and services, feel free to contact your assigned case manager, or you may contact the HCV Department at (334) 821-2262, extension 217.

Policy Reminder

LHA is committed to providing all residents with safe, decent, and sanitary housing and ensuring that all residents have the right to peaceful enjoyment of their apartment.

As a part of this commitment, LHA has implemented weekly property assessments. As a result, LHA requests residents' assistance in addressing frequent issues observed. Please note that all residents agree to abide by this policy upon signing a lease. Failure to do so can lead to fines and eviction.

No parking on or driving across the grass is permitted at any time.

Before bringing a pet and or service animal home, you must contact LHA's office. LHA has no pet visitation policy.

All smoke detectors inside the home must be operable. Residents should contact the office to request batteries for all beeping smoke detectors. Smoke detectors should not be tampered with, removed, disconnected, or covered.

Contact LHA Property Manager Christina Williamson via phone at (334) 864-8391 or by email at cwilliamson@auburnhousingauth.org.

Compliance Cameras Phase 2 Complete

By increasing coverage and upgrading technology, we aim to provide even better oversight and support for our community.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Dominique Moore, Regional Property Manager, at dmoore@auburnhousingauth.org or call (334) 821-2262 ext. 242.

Drug / Crime Eviction Policy

Revision Schedule: Exhibit A

The Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority and Landlord, in an effort to take a positive stand against the sale and use of illegal drugs and other crimes on Landlord or Housing property, hereby adopts and endorses the following policy.

I. Any person, regardless of age, arrested on Housing Authority (HA) or Landlord's property for possession, use, or sale of drugs or any unlawful act that threatens the peace and security of the Tenants, general public, or HA staff, who is not listed as a family member on any lease of Landlord's property will immediately be issued a letter of "No Trespassing."

II. Any person arrested on Landlord or Housing Authority property for possession, use, or sale of drugs or any unlawful act that threatens the peace and security of the Tenants, general public, or HA staff, who is listed as a family member on a lease of Landlord or Housing Authority owned property and who is under the age of 19 will immediately be sent a letter requiring the arrested family member and the entire family to come to the office for counseling in which the following will be required:

A. Head of house and all family members will be required to sign a statement acknowledging the counseling session and acknowledging that another occurrence of this problem may result in termination of the lease.

B. The arrested family member must agree to and must attend an HA approved counseling or rehabilitation program. HA will verify attendance and completion of the program.

C. Failure to agree or comply with Section II, A and B may result in immediate termination of the dwelling lease.

III. Any person arrested on Landlord or Housing Authority property for possession, use, or sale of drugs or any unlawful act that threatens the security of the Tenants, general public, or HA staff, who is listed as a family member on a lease and who is 19 years of age or older will immediately be sent a letter requiring the arrested member and lease holder(s) to come to the office for counseling in which the following will be required:

A. The lease holder(s) will be requested to in writing remove the arrested person from the lease and agree to allow the Landlord or HA to send the arrested person a letter of "No Trespassing."

B. If the conditions of the "No Trespassing" letter are violated and it is determined that the remaining family members have contributed to the violation, the dwelling lease may be terminated.

C. Refusal of the Tenant to comply with Section III, A, will result in termination of the dwelling lease.

IV. If the Head of house or spouse is arrested for possession, use or sale of drugs, the conditions in Section III will apply.

We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law.

Collection Policy (Excerpt)

I. Rent and service fees are due on the first day of each month. No partial payments will be accepted on or after the rent due date.

II. If rent and service fees are not received by 5:00 p.m. on the sixth day of the month, a late fee will be added to your account.

III. Residents who fail to pay their rent or make arrangements by 5:00 p.m. on the sixth will be sent a Lease Termination Notice.

IV. Residents requesting a hardship must request it prior to being considered late.

V. Residents who remain in the unit after the lease termination notice has expired will be issued eviction papers.

VI. Residents who move out owing balances must arrange payment or face possible court action.

Exterior and Groundskeeping

LHA is committed to providing an attractive environment for all our communities. Residents are reminded that:

All garbage and debris must be disposed of in City assigned garbage carts.

Garbage carts must be stored appropriately at the rear of the apartment.

Carts may be placed on the street the night before pickup and returned the next day.

Children and guests must be supervised to prevent damage.

Roofs must be free of debris.

Do not accumulate items on porches, yards, or premises.

Inoperable vehicles are not allowed.

Bicycles and toys must be stored properly.

Large items must not be placed curbside earlier than one day before pickup.

Work Orders and Maintenance

For the safety of residents and staff, residents are not allowed near maintenance staff during repairs.

Emergency work orders will be completed within 24 hours.

Routine work orders will be completed within 3 business days.

Emergency Examples

Broken exterior door lock

Fire

Loss of power

Broken water line

Loose or falling ceiling

No heat when temperatures are below 35 degrees

To request a work order, contact the Property Manager at (334) 864-8391.

For Police or Fire emergencies, dial 911.

Spring Cleaning Tips

As the seasons change, it's a great time to refresh your home.

Start with decluttering one area at a time

Clean high touch surfaces

Report maintenance issues early

We hope these tips help you feel more comfortable and refreshed in your home.

Project Based Voucher Waiting List

Project Based Voucher 0 to 2 Bedroom Waiting List opened February 11, 2025 at 8:00 AM CST.

Eligibility Requirements

Placement on the waiting list is based on preferences and the date and time the application is received.

Final eligibility is determined when selected from the waiting list. Applicants will be notified within 10 business days after eligibility is determined.

How To Apply

Go to auburnhousingauth.org and click "Apply Online."

Select Auburn or LaFayette Housing Authority.

Select the correct bedroom size based on your household.